artifice

American  

[ahr-tuh-fis] / ˈɑr tə fɪs /

noun

1. a clever trick or stratagem; a cunning, crafty device or expedient; wile.

   Synonyms:

   subterfuge

2. trickery; guile; craftiness.

   Synonyms:

   duplicity, art, deceit, deception

3. cunning; ingenuity; inventiveness.

   a drawing-room comedy crafted with artifice and elegance.

4. a skillful or artful contrivance or expedient.

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artifice British  

/ ˈɑːtɪfɪs /

noun

1. a clever expedient; ingenious stratagem

2. crafty or subtle deception

3. skill; cleverness

4. a skilfully contrived device

5. obsolete craftsmanship

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Related Words

See trick. See cunning.

Etymology

Origin of artifice

1525–35; < Anglo-French < Latin artificium craftsmanship, art, craftiness, equivalent to arti-, combining form of ars art ¹ + -fic-, combining form of facere to do ¹, make + -ium + -ium

Example Sentences

The way that any actor could, with a look, destroy the artifice, the pretense of reality on film.

From Literature

Underneath the digital artifice, Chaplin’s eyes flash with hot conviction and palpable presence.

From Los Angeles Times

The traditional story, with its narrative arcs and tailored meanings, is often viewed in the critical world with distrust, a type of artifice that belongs to less self-aware eras.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the same time, the shameless artifice would seem to be Mr. Johnson’s intent.

From The Wall Street Journal

The film builds to Jay, stripped of much of his artifice and trappings, finally receiving his award, which includes a tribute reel.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contrivance
• gimmick